A volunteer who has worked tirelessly for 20 years to improve services and facilities for people with mental illness in South West Sydney, and a project to deliver healthy outcomes in aboriginal communities have been recognised at the annual NSW Health Awards.

Minister for Health Brad Hazzard has tonight announced the 11 winners of the awards which are now in their 20th year.

The Secretary of NSW Health Elizabeth Koff has congratulated the winners and finalists on their creativity and commitment.

”The 2018 Awards recognise the outstanding innovations in the state’s health system,” Ms Koff said.

“The winning projects demonstrate the depth of talent and creativity that runs through NSW Health.

“The entries represented a wide range of focus, from client-led recovery in mental health, to innovative initiatives in hospitals and clinical settings.”

Another highlight of the awards this year was the development by South Western Sydney Local Health District of a peripheral catheter program which significantly reduces patient pain and complication rates by improving cannula insertion.

This is achieved through the use of ultrasound vein location and an insertion algorithm which has seen 80 per cent of cannulas inserted successfully on the first attempt with many remaining in place until treatment is complete, and with zero infections.

Minister Hazzard paid tribute to the winners and finalists, commending them for their efforts.

“Each project focusses on the improvement of patient care, which is at the heart of everything we do.”

In 2018-19, the NSW Government is investing a record $25 billion in health.

This includes $19.2 billion towards improving services in hospitals in NSW this year.

Full descriptions of the projects in each category are available at 2018 Health Awards Finalists.